Teacher RePlay and Children ReAct Encouraging Active Engagement
This part of the course, based on Teacher RePlay and Children ReAct by The LEGO Foundation, focused on how teachers can keep children actively involved during teacher directed play.
In this kind of play, the teacher plans the activity in advance and gives instructions, but the main goal is still to help children stay curious, focused, and creative. It’s not just about following steps but about guiding children toward meaningful engagement.
Making Play Easy to Follow
One of the key lessons was that when children lose interest or seem confused, it may be because the activity was not clearly explained or modeled. The course encouraged teachers to think about how instructions are given, not just telling but showing.
Using drawings, examples, or short visual guides can help children understand what to do and keep them focused. It also highlighted the importance of observing children as they play. If they seem unsure, teachers can ask gentle questions, adjust the materials, or reduce distractions so children can engage.
Balancing Guidance and Freedom
Even when the play is directed by the teacher, it’s still important to give children space to express their ideas. Allowing them to share their thoughts, make small mistakes, and discover new ways to solve problems turns a simple activity into a deeper learning experience. Teachers can use these moments to connect learning goals with what children already know or are curious about.
My Opinion
I liked how this part of the course explained that real engagement takes time and patience. Children do not always get involved from the very first try. Teachers need to learn what captures each child’s attention and slowly build on that.
For me, the idea of learning with the students instead of just teaching them made a lot of sense. Helping children reach an active and joyful state in play means understanding them first and guiding them at their own pace, and being an active observer is just as important as being a planner.
References
LEGO Foundation 2019, Play Facilitation: The Science Behind the Art of Engaging Young Children, viewed 7 October 2025.